MBBS in China

Air Force Medical University 2025-26

China

The Fourth Military Medical University, now called the Air Force Medical University, is a national key university of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Founded in 1941 as the Health School of the Northwest Shanxi Military Region of the Eighth Route Army, the university has a rich and noble historical background in military medical education.

About Air Force Medical University

Air Force Medical University was renamed the Fourth Military Medical University in 1952 by the Central Military Commission and subsequently merged with the Fifth Military Medical University in 1954. It was formally transferred to the Air Force in 2017, including the Air Force Aviation Medical Research Institute and creating the contemporary Air Force Medical University. The following year, its affiliated institutions—the Air Force General Hospital and the Air Force Aviation Medical Research Institute—were merged into the Air Force Specialty Medical Center.

Located in Xi’an, the university is recognized as one of China’s earliest key universities, one of the first to offer master’s and doctoral degrees, and a significant institution under national projects such as “211 Project” and the “Double First-Class” initiative.

Air Force Medical University – Table of Contents

About
Advantages
Departments And Course Duration
Facilities And Infrastructure
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Process
Benefits
Privileges And Indian Students’ Benefits
FAQ’s

The university maintains the fundamental values of moral integrity and military preparedness, graduating more than 90,000 highly skilled medical practitioners who have become healthcare leaders in China and the world. Zhang Hua and Chen Shaoyang are among the key figures to graduate from this institution.

The university has a powerful academic staff, with 2 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5 members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and many national award-winning scientists and teachers. It provides a broad range of academic programs, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, and in-service education, with wide doctoral and master’s degree authorizations in many disciplines.

Air Force Medical University Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The university has world-class programs among the global ESI rankings and has state-of-the-art research infrastructure in the form of major laboratories, biosafety laboratories, and clinical medicine research bases at the national level. On infrastructure, the university offers world-class teaching and medical equipment including surgical robots, virtual teaching systems, magnetic resonance imaging, and high-end simulation training platforms. The library, spanning 12,000 square meters, contains more than 740,000 volumes and dozens of professional databases. The university is also equipped with specialized institutions like the world’s largest global stomatological museum and a national simulation teaching base for stomatology.

Its member hospitals are all Grade A tertiary hospitals, including the First Affiliated Hospital which is among the top in the country and the Third Affiliated Hospital which is well known for dentistry. The university has made many world firsts in medical procedures, including China’s first face transplant, the first human uterus transplant, and the world’s first ten-finger replantation. In the area of scientific research, the university has excelled, winning more than 1,000 awards, including national technological invention and scientific advancement awards. It has directed top national research initiatives like the “973 Project,” and won billions of dollars of research funding. The university has strong international academic exchanges, welcoming and sending tens of thousands of scholars around the world.

Factual to its military origins, the university has participated in lots of military operations and humanitarian tasks, such as medical aid in wars, disaster relief work, epidemic control (SARS, Ebola, COVID-19), and international peacekeeping missions. It has always been praised for its efforts by the Party, the State, and the Central Military Commission.

Looking to the future, guided by the Central Military Commission and the Air Force Party Committee, the university is dedicated to becoming a world-class institution. With a vision of merging air and space strength and leadership in both battlefield medicine and fundamental medical research, it continues to pursue excellence in military medical education and innovation, with the aim of becoming a century-old pillar of strength, talent, and worldwide influence.

Advantages of Studying in Air Force Medical University

Air Force Medical University: Career & Professional Development

Guaranteed Career Placement:
Graduates are directly commissioned as officers in the Air Force Medical Service, ensuring a stable, respected, and rewarding career path.
Professional Growth Opportunities:
Continuous education, specialization programs, and structured advancement tracks support both personal and professional development.
Global Exposure:
Medical officers may be stationed across various U.S. and international locations, offering rich cultural experiences and networking opportunities.

Educational Excellence

Top-Tier Medical Education:
Renowned for its high academic standards, the university features experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, and innovative teaching methods.
Research and Innovation:
As a hub for medical research, the university offers access to state-of-the-art technology and opportunities to engage in pioneering scientific work.
Extensive Clinical Training:
Students benefit from hands-on experience in Air Force hospitals and research centers, gaining practical skills in real-world settings.

Benefits & Perks

Fully Funded Education:
Scholarships, tuition assistance, and monthly stipends are often provided, covering the complete cost of medical education.
Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage:
Students and their families receive full medical, dental, and wellness care as part of their military benefits.
Housing and Lifestyle Perks:
Access to military housing, commissaries, and additional lifestyle benefits enhance the overall student experience.

Latest Notifications:

Departments And Course Duration in Air Force Medical University

Historical Context of Air Force Medical University

The Air Force Medical University of Xi’an in China has a long and honorable history tracing its roots to military medical education. It first began as far back as 1941 under the Eighth Route Army, in the form of the Health School of the Northwest Military Region established to address war-time medical healthcare needs for troops.

Following the liberation period, in November 1948, the institution was relocated to Xi’an, a historically significant city in China. It was subsequently renamed the People’s Medical College of the Northwest Military Region, reflecting its growing importance in providing medical education and services to the military. Soon thereafter, the college was recognized further and officially named the First Military Medical College of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Along with a comprehensive reorganization of military medical schools in October 1952, it was officially renamed the Fourth Military Medical University of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, as directed by the Central Military Commission of China.

For many decades, the university was under the management of the PLA General Logistics Department, playing an important role in training military doctors and developing military medical science.

In December 2015, the university was structurally relocated and put under the Training Management Department of the Central Military Commission, marking its ongoing significance in training and strategic development. A significant shift took place in June 2017, when the university fell under the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s leadership and administration.

This shift reached its peak in July 2017, with the formal founding of the Air Force Medical University. This was a new beginning for its history, making it a premier institution focused on the unification of advanced medical education with aerospace and military healthcare services. Today, the Air Force Medical University is a pillar of Chinese military medical education, dedicated to excellence in research, clinical training, and the education of healthcare professionals who are prepared to serve both in times of peace and in mission.

Latest Updates:

Facilities And Infrastructure in Air Force Medical University

Academic and Research Infrastructure

Advanced Laboratories: The university is home to advanced laboratories fully equipped for state-of-the-art research in many of the medical specialties, including military medicine and aerospace health sciences.

National Key Laboratories: It has several national-level key laboratories and clinical research facilities, where innovation and scientific progress are promoted.

Simulation Centers: Advanced simulation centers offer lifelike training settings for students to hone clinical skills.

Library and Information Resources

Libraries: Libraries cover over 14,400 square meters and stock over 760,000 books and over 1,100 Chinese and international periodicals.

Digital Resources: The students and staff enjoy access to almost 40 different databases, supporting extensive academic and research work.

Affiliated Hospitals

Three Grade A Hospitals: The university has three premier hospitals with which it is affiliated, all Grade A first-class hospitals, and which give students the clinical exposure they need.

Study in China

Specialized Centers: They are also equipped with specialized centers for each medical field, further deepening clinical training.

Campus Infrastructure

Modern Classrooms: Fitted with sophisticated teaching aids, the classrooms promote an interactive learning experience.

Comprehensive Network: The campus has a strong wired and wireless network environment, providing full connectivity to all units.

Sports and Recreation: There are extensive sports training facilities, an indoor swimming pool, and military physical training fields, enhancing physical health.

Global Engagement

International Collaborations: The university has partnerships with universities globally, receiving many foreign experts and scholars, and sending students overseas for exchange studies.

Official site For Air Force Medical University: Click Here

Required Documents for Admission in Air Force Medical University

Health Certificate.
A valid copy of the passport.

10th certificate and mark
12th certificate and mark
English and recognized birth certificate in English
Image – 10 (4.5 × 3.5, 70% face)
Official University Invitation Letter of Medicine.
HIV Test Reports
Authorization of the entire archive by the Department of Foreign Affairs
To formalize all documents by the relevant Ambassador
Visa money
Receipt of a University Bank for the first year of payment of tuition fees

Eligibility Criteria For Air Force Medical University

They should have Physics, Biology, and Chemistry as the main subjects of study at the 10+2 level.
The applicant must have a non-china nationality.
The age of the applicant must be a minimum of 17 years and maximum of 30 years.
The applicant must have a good track of academic records.
The student must be fluent in the English language.
Students must have completed 10+2 of their education or any equivalent education with a minimum 50% aggregate marks.

Admission Process For Air Force Medical University

Online Application:

Applicants must fill out the online application form provided by the university.

Document Submission:

Required documents, such as academic transcripts, passport copies, and other supporting documents, must be submitted along with the application.

Admission Letter:

Once the application is reviewed, applicants will receive an admission or invitation letter from the university.

Tuition Fee Payment:

After receiving the admission letter, applicants need to pay the first-year tuition fee before the deadline.

Visa Application:

After admission, applicants apply for a student visa (X1 visa) at the Chinese embassy.

Travel to China:

Upon receiving the visa, applicants can travel to China and start their studies.

Get more details about the colleges in China: Click Here

Benefits of Studying in Air Force Medical University

1. Career and Military Commission Guaranteed

Secure Career Track: Upon graduation, students are commissioned directly as officers in the Air Force Medical Service and enjoy a secure and esteemed career.

Employment Security: Students are assured placement in the military healthcare system, and there is no need to worry about finding a job.

2. High-Level Medical Education

Premier Faculty: Students are guided by seasoned medical practitioners and military medical experts.

State-of-the-Art Curriculum: Clinical medicine, military medicine, and aerospace medicine are integrated into education, providing a distinctive and well-rounded learning experience.

3. International Exposure and Varied Opportunities

Global Collaboration: Academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities with international universities and institutions.

Overseas Deployments: Graduates can be deployed or served in military hospitals within China and abroad.

4. Emphasis on Strong Research

Advanced Laboratories: Students carry out cutting-edge research with the support of national key laboratories and advanced medical apparatus.

Scientific Contributions: Motivation to make contributions to cutting-edge medical science, especially aerospace and battlefield medicine.

5. Financial Support and Benefits

Tuition-Free Education: The majority of students get full scholarships or financial assistance.

Stipends: Monthly stipends are granted during the duration of study.

Free Accommodation: On-campus accommodation is free or heavily subsidized.

6. Clinical Training at Top Military Hospitals

Affiliated Grade A Hospitals: Hands-on training in three of China’s leading military hospitals with exposure to complex and critical cases.

Early Patient Interaction: Practical learning starts early in the program, preparing students for real-world challenges.

7. Military Training and Leadership Development

Physical Training: Students engage in military-style fitness programs to cultivate discipline and stamina.

Leadership Qualities: Focus on developing leadership skills required for leading medical teams in difficult conditions.

8. Overall Welfare and Lifestyle Privileges

Student and Family Healthcare: Complete utilization of military healthcare facilities.

Subsidized Meals and Supplies: Use of military canteens, commissaries, and lifestyle services at discounted rates.

Safe and Secure Environment: The campus ensures a secure, disciplined environment for academic and personal growth.

9. Prestige and Respect

Military Respect: Graduation from a prestigious military medical school confers social respect and prestige.

Service to Country: Students take pride in serving their nation through healthcare and humanitarian efforts.

Privileges And Indian Students’ Benefits at AFMU

1. Top-Notch Medical Education

Worldwide MBBS Degree: The international standard MBBS course is conducted with a focus on practical application, military medicine, and enhanced clinical training.

English-Medium Instruction: A few programs provide English-language taught modules for overseas students, such as Indians, to make learning easier.

2. Assured Career Opportunities

Excellent Reputation: AFMU’s degree is extremely well-regarded and provides entry to the medical profession in India and overseas.

Career Flexibility: Indian students may opt to appear for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT in order to practice in India, or pursue postgraduate opportunities internationally.

3. Best-In-Class Clinical Exposure

Training in Military Hospitals: Students get practical experience in Grade A tertiary military hospitals, handling advanced technology and high-complexity cases.

Unique Exposure: Opportunity to learn specialized fields such as aerospace medicine, trauma care, and battlefield surgery.

4. Affordability of Education and Scholarships

Low Tuition Fees: In comparison to Indian private medical colleges, AFMU has reasonable tuition rates with good education value.

Financial Aid: Scholarships and performance-based stipends could be provided to international students.

5.Convenient Campus Life

Modern Hostels: Clean and well-facilitated on-campus hostels available, usually with attached bathrooms, internet connectivity, and common kitchens.

Indian Food Options: Availability of Indian mess or nearby Indian restaurants around Xi’an city.

6.Global Recognition and Exchange Programs

International Exposure: AFMU has academic ties with medical institutions in countries like the US, UK, Germany, and more—beneficial for Indian students seeking global experience.

Research Opportunities: Indian students can participate in high-end research alongside global peers and faculty.

7. Support for Licensing and Exams

FMGE/NEXT Guidance: Indian licensing exam coaching support is usually provided either by the university or Indian student organizations.

Internship Recognition: The clinical internship done at AFMU is usually accepted by the Medical Council of India (dependent on NMC norms).

8. Cultural Integration and Student Support

Indian Student Communities: Indian student communities in active groups assist new entrants to settle in and succeed.

Festivals and Celebrations: Indian festivals such as Diwali and Holi are also celebrated on campus, making the students feel home.

FAQ’s

What is Air Force Medical University (AFMU)?

AFMU, formerly known as the Fourth Military Medical University, is a top-tier military medical university in China under the Air Force branch of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It’s known for its rigorous academic training, military medical research, and world-class clinical education.

Where is AFMU located?

AFMU is located in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, China – a historic city known for the Terracotta Army and vibrant student life.

Where do students get clinical training?

Clinical training is provided at military-grade hospitals affiliated with AFMU, offering exposure to high-tech medical procedures and real-time emergency care.

Can Indian students do their internship in India?

Usually, the internship must be completed in China. However, depending on NMC guidelines, Indian students may apply for internship validation or do it again in India post-clearance of FMGE/NEXT.